Why is it that being respectful is frequently forgotten during one of the key phases of the employment relationship — at the time of job loss? Especially when you consider so many organizations have respect as one of their stated corporate values.

Typically when someone has job loss it’s about fit, that nebulous concept that really is about skills, style, work habits or interactions with others simply not aligning with what the organization wants at that point in time. Job loss often happens to great people who sometimes know themselves that the fit just isn’t right.

Unlike some businesses tempted to diversify as part of their growth strategy, Ted Sherritt’s company has expanded simply by staying true to the one and only product it has made since 1961 — countertops.

“Making post-form, laminate countertops is where Floform started more than 50 years ago. It was an innovative product that the founders truly pioneered and championed and it helped them dominate the industry,” says Sherritt, who took over as company president and CEO in 2000.

They say only fools rush in and that certainly applies to someone starting the first day of a new job all gung-ho to please.

It’s important to resist jumping in with both feet and instead, gain firm footing with a 90-day plan designed to set you up for success. Why 90 days? It’s enough time to acclimatize to your new environment, get some direction and understand where you need to focus your attention. At the same time, many companies give employees a performance review after three months have been completed, so it’s wise to plan ahead and make your first 90 days the foundation for what will hopefully be a long and prosperous tenure.

Across the province, there appears to be a renewed focus on creating healthier, safer workplaces. With this increased awareness, it is fitting that Safety Services Manitoba (SSM), the foremost safety services provider specializing in full-service programming in occupational safety, road safety and community safety, has put a renewed focus on strong leadership.

“Safety and related issues are everywhere, but at the same time, we also have a long way to go in terms of ensuring awareness and compliance,” says SSM president and CEO Judy Murphy, who joined the organization in May.

All you have to do is type the word salary into any web browser and you will get a plethora of options to choose from to find out how much you should be paid.

If you are the employee who is searching for this information, you may choose to focus on the highest of those that you find. If you are the employer, your view may be different on what the “right” salary is for that same position. I conducted a test of three different websites offering to give me the salary for an accountant, and I came up with three different salaries, with an overall difference of $30,000.

The answer to the question of “How much are you worth?” can often elude both employees and employers. Ask these two groups the same question and you’ll probably receive two very different answers.

The truth is salaries come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re negotiating a starting salary or looking for a raise, you should know how much you’re really worth and understand how your organization determines the amount you are paid. Your colleague’s paycheque may be larger or smaller than yours, regardless of how long you have been working for the organization or how many bills you have.